Purification device

ABSTRACT

A purification device comprises a main body having an open extending horizontally; a rotator in the opening to be rotatably mounted on the main body; and a manipulation structure spaced from and above the rotator and rotatably connected to a top face of the main body, the manipulation structure protruding forward of the main body. The device also includes a water-outlet module with a fixed cover fixed to the rotator through the opening, the fixed cover protruding forward of the main body, and a top of the fixed cover being connected to a bottom of the manipulation structure; a vertically-movable cover held in contact with the fixed cover; and a water-outlet nozzle mounted onto a bottom of the vertically-movable cover. When the vertically-movable cover rises to a highest level, a top of the vertically-movable cover is located in a space between the rotator and the manipulation structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2017-0107574 filed on Aug. 24, 2017, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. This application isrelated to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0110412 (correspondingto U.S. application Ser. No. 16/114,767), Korean Patent Application No.10-2017-0110413 (corresponding to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/114,827),Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0110414 (corresponding to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/114,915), and Korean Patent Application No.10-2017-0108888 (corresponding to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/114,709),whose disclosures are also incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a purification device.

2. Background

Generally, a purification device filters water to remove impuritiestherefrom and is widely used in the home. A home purification device maybe connected to a tap water supply and may remove floating or harmfulcomponents contained in tap water using a filter. The purificationdevice may be configured to discharge a desired amount of water bymanipulation of a user.

Nowadays, a variety of the above-described home purification deviceshaving water purification function and discharge function of hot waterand cold water are being introduced. In recent years, the purificationdevice has been developed which may be small and thus installed invarious installation environment.

Korean Patent No. 1381803 discloses a purification device in which awater outlet portion is provided on a top of a main body unit, the wateroutlet portion is separated from the main body unit, and is rotated by apredetermined angle, and then is re-coupled to the main body unit. Inthis purification device, the user may change the position of the wateroutlet portion to a predetermined position by detaching the water outletportion from the main body unit and recombining the water outlet portionwith the main body unit while maintaining the position of the main bodyunit. Thus, the purification device may be installed without beingrestricted in terms of the installation space of the purificationdevice.

However, the purification device according to the prior art has thefollowing disadvantages. First, there is an inconvenience that the wateroutlet portion is separated from the main body unit and recombinedtherewith in order to change the position of the water outlet portion.Further, there is a problem that separation and recombination sites maybe damaged during the repeated separation and recombination of the wateroutlet portion.

Second, since the discharge pipe is connected to the water outletportion, the discharge pipe may be damaged during the separation andrecombination of the water outlet portion, which may lead to leakage ofwater. In addition, when the water outlet portion is repeatedly rotated,a fitting portion with the discharge pipe or the discharge pipe may bedamaged, thereby resulting in leakage of water.

Third, the position of the water outlet portion is determined by acoupling groove defined in the main body unit. Therefore, the positionof the water outlet portion may be limited only to the position of thegroove, such that the position of the water outlet portion may not bechanged to various positions.

The above reference is incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a purification device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which a location of thewater-outlet nozzle of the purification device is changed, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the purification deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water-outlet module as onecomponent of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross section view of the purification deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the water-outlet moduleas one component of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a guide bracketprovided for the water-outlet module as one component of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guide bracket as one component of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a connectionstructure between the main body and the rotator as one component of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a connectionstructure between the manipulation structure as one component of thepresent disclosure and the main body;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the main body as viewed from above, with themanipulation structure being separated therefrom; and

FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a connectionstructure between the manipulation structure as one component of thepresent disclosure and the main body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of various embodiments are illustrated and described furtherbelow. It will be understood that the description herein is not intendedto limit the claims to the specific embodiments described. On thecontrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the figures arenot necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numbers in differentfigures denote the same or similar elements, and as such perform similarfunctionality. Also, descriptions and details of well-known steps andelements are omitted for simplicity of the description. Furthermore, inthe following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understoodthat the present disclosure may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuits have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a purification device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview of the purification device, with a position of a water-outletnozzle being changed, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, the purification device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 100 havingan opening 101 opened horizontally in a front-face (or front surface)thereof, a rotator 200 received in the opening 101 and rotatably mountedto the main body 100, a manipulation structure (or handle) 300positioned above the rotator 200 and spaced apart from the rotator,wherein at least a portion of the manipulation unit 300 protrudesforward of the main body 100, and a water-outlet module (or wateroutlet) 400. The water-outlet module 400 may include a fixed cover (orfirst cover) 410 fixed to the rotator 200 through the opening 101 andprojecting forward of the main body 100 and having a top connected to abottom of the manipulation structure 300, a vertically-movable cover (orsecond cover) 420 bearing against the fixed cover 410 and being movablein a vertical direction; and a water-outlet nozzle 430 mounted on abottom of the vertically-movable cover 420.

According to the present disclosure, the water-outlet module 400 may berotated in the left-right direction with respect to the main body 100 bythe rotator 200. In addition, the vertically-movable cover 420 and thewater-outlet nozzle 430 may be raised or lowered relative to the fixedcover 410 fixed to the rotator 200. Accordingly, the water-dischargenozzle 430 may be displaced in the left-right direction or in theup-down direction.

In addition, the manipulation structure 300 may be rotatably fixed tothe top face (or top surface) of the main body 100. A front tip of themanipulation structure 300 may protrude forward of the main body 100 andmay be engaged with the top of the water-outlet module 400. Accordingly,when the water-outlet module 400 rotates, the rotator 200 and themanipulation structure 300 connected to the water-outlet module 400 mayrotate simultaneously.

In one example, a hollow portion may be formed in the top of thewater-outlet module 400. In an inner surface of the module, a protrusionprotruding inwardly may be formed. In addition, an inserted portion tobe inserted into the hollow portion of the water-outlet module 400 maybe formed from the bottom of the manipulation structure 300. A groovemay be defined in the outer face of the inserted portion at a positioncorresponding to the protrusion. Accordingly, when the inserted portionformed from the bottom of the manipulation structure 300 is fitted intothe hollow formed in the top of the water-outlet module 400, and theprotrusion fits in the groove, the combination of the water-outletmodule 400 and the manipulation structure 300 may be achieved. In oneembodiment, the main body 100 has the housing 110 and a filter (notshown).

The external appearance of the purification device 10 may be defined bythe housing 110. The housing 110 may include a front-cover 111 definingthe appearance of the front-face, a rear-cover 112 defining theappearance of the rear-face, a base 113 defining the bottom face, atop-cover defining the top face 114, and left and right side-panels 115defining both lateral faces. The front-cover 111, the rear-cover 112,the base 113, the top-cover 114 and a pair of the side-panels 115 may beassembled together to define the appearance of the purification device10.

In this connection, the front end and the rear end of each of the base113 and the top-cover 114 may be rounded. Thus, each of the front-cover111 and the rear-cover 112 may be convexly formed forwardly andrearwardly, respectively so as to have a curvature corresponding to acurvature of the front end and the rear end of each of the base 113 andthe top-cover 114. In the housing 110, the filter (not shown) forpurifying raw-water introduced from the outside thereto and dischargingthe purified water is provided.

In the front face of the main body 100, the water-outlet module 400 ispositioned so as to protrude forward therefrom. The purified waterpassing through the filter may be discharged through the water-outletnozzle 430 protruding downward from the bottom of the water-outletmodule 400. In addition, purified water passing through the filter maybe cooled or heated and then supplied to the water-outlet nozzle 430 inthe state of cold water and hot water.

In one embodiment, the front-cover 111 may include an upper cover 111 aand a lower cover 111 b. Further, the upper cover 111 a and the lowercover 111 b are vertically spaced from each other, and the opening 101is defined in the space. The opening 101 may be shielded by the rotator200 rotatably mounted on the main body 100. In this connection, thelower cover 111 b may have a planar portion 111 c extending in avertical direction at a central portion thereof.

When the lower cover 111 b has the planar portion 111 c, this may allowfollowing advantages compared with the case where the entire area of thelower cover 111 b is formed convexly forwardly: when a user dischargeswater, there is an advantage in that the container including the cup maybe positioned to a deeper position. There is also an advantage that thecontainer including the cup, etc. may be stably supported.

In addition, when the water-outlet module 400 is rotated, there is theadvantage that the module may be centered with reference to the planarportion 111 c. In a state where the water-outlet module 400 is rotatedleft or right, a container including a cup, etc. may be stably supportedfrom a corresponding side panel 115 having a planar shape.

The water-outlet module 400 may be configured to rotate with the rotator200. Accordingly, the user may rotate the water-outlet module 400 at adesired angle depending on the installation state of the purificationdevice 10 or the installation environment thereof. In addition, themanipulation structure 300 rotatably coupled to the top-cover 114 may beintegrally coupled to the water-outlet module 400 and thus rotated withthe water-outlet module 400.

In this connection, a user presses a water-discharge button 310 of themanipulation structure 300. The water-discharge button 310 is preferablypositioned vertically overlapping the water-outlet module 400 such thatthe vertical downward force may be applied to the water-outlet module400 when the water-discharge button 310 is pressed by the user. That is,when the user presses the water-discharge button 310, the verticaldownward force is applied to the water-outlet module 400 such that thewater-outlet module 400 does not rotate arbitrarily due to the pressingforce from the user.

In addition, while the water-outlet module 400 is fixed to the outsideof the rotator 200, the module 400 may be capable of moving in avertical direction. The above-described rotation and vertical-movementoperation of the water-outlet module 400 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the purification deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is anexploded perspective view of a portion of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3to 4, the housing 110 includes a filter 120 for purification of waterand a filter bracket 130 to which a plurality of valves (not shown) aremounted.

The filter bracket 130 may include a bottom portion 131 coupled with thebase 113, a filter receiving portion 132 in which the filter 120 isreceived, and a rotator mount 133 on which the rotator 200 is mounted.The shape of the bottom portion 131 may be formed to correspond to theshape of the tip of the base 113, and the portion 131 may be coupled tothe base 113. Thus, the mounting position of the filter bracket 130 maybe fixed via the coupling between the bottom portion 131 and the base113. Further, the bottom face shape of the filter receiving portion 132may be defined.

The filter bracket 130 may be hooked to the base 113 in a hook manner.The filter bracket 130 may be fixed by a screw fastened to the bottomface of the base 113. The filter receiving portion 132 extends in thevertical direction. The filter receiving portion 132 has a recessedspace defined therein from a front side (left side in the figure) to arear side (right side in the figure) so that the filter 120 may beaccommodated therein. A plurality of the filters 120 may be mounted inthe filter receiving portion 132. The filter 120 may include acombination of the filters having various functions and may beconfigured for purifying raw-water (tap water) to be supplied thereto.

Further, the filter receiving portion 132 may further include a filtersocket 134 on which the filter 120 is mounted. The filter socket 134 isprovided with piping for flowing purified water. The piping may beconnected to a plurality of valves (not shown). Thus, the raw-water maypass through the filter 120 in turn and then to a water valve (notshown).

A plurality of valves (not shown) may be provided on the back face(right side in the drawing) of the filter receiving portion 132. Thevalves (not shown) may supply purified water having passed through thefilter 120 to a cooling tank 150 for generating cold water or aninduction heating assembly 170 for generating hot water. Furthermore,purified water may be supplied to the water-outlet module 400immediately.

The rotator mount 133, on which the rotator 200 is rotatably mounted,may be formed on the top of the filter receiving portion 132. In thisconnection, the rotator mount 133 may be configured to have a curvaturecorresponding to the curvature of the front cover 111, specifically thelower cover 111 b, which covers the front face of the rotator mount 133.Further, the manipulation structure 300 may be positioned on thewater-outlet module 400 connected to the rotator 200 and the rotator200.

In one embodiment, a compressor 113 and a condenser 142 are provided onthe top face of the base 113. In addition, a cooling fan 143 is providedbetween the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 to realize cooling ofthe compressor 141 and the condenser 142. The compressor 141 may includethe compressor of the inverter type capable of adjusting the coolingability by varying the frequency. Therefore, the cooling of purifiedwater may be efficiently performed, thereby reducing power consumption.

Further, the condenser 142 may be located behind the base 113 and may belocated at a position corresponding to a discharge hole 112 a defined inthe rear-cover 112. The condenser 142 may be realized by bending theflat tube type refrigerant tube many times in order to efficientlyutilize the space and at the same time to improve the heat exchangeefficiency. The condenser may be configured to be received within thecondenser bracket 144.

The condenser bracket 144 may have a condenser mount 145 on which thecondenser 142 may be fixed, and a tank mount 146 on which a cooling tank150 for producing cold water may be mounted. The condenser mount 145 hasa space defined therein having a shape corresponding to the overallshape of the condenser 142 so as to accommodate the condenser 142.Further, portions of the condenser mount 145 facing the cooling fan 143and the discharge hole 112 a are opened, respectively, whereby effectivecooling of the condenser 142 is possible. Further, the tank mount 146 isformed on the condenser bracket 144, that is, on the condenser mount145. The bottom portion of the cooling tank 150 is inserted into thetank mount 146 so that the tank mount 146 fixes the cooling tank 150.

The cooling tank 150 may be configured to cool purified water togenerate cold water, and, to this end, may be filled with cooling waterfor heat exchange with the purified water. Further, an evaporator 151for cooling the cooling water may be accommodated in the cooling tank150. Further, purified water may pass through the inside of the coolingtank to cool the purified water.

The support bracket 130 is further provided at one side thereof with asupport plate 135 extending toward the cooling tank 150. The supportplate 135 is provided on the compressor 141. The plate 135 extends fromthe filter bracket 130 to the condenser bracket 144 to provide a spacefor receiving the heating and control module 160.

The heating and control module 160 may include an induction heatingassembly 170 for generating hot water and a control assembly 180 forcontrolling the overall operation of the purification device 10. Theinduction heating assembly 170 and the control assembly 180 may becoupled to each other to form a single module. The induction heatingassembly 170 and the control assembly 180 may be mounted on the supportplate 135 in the combined state into the single module.

The induction heating assembly 170 is configured to heat purified waterand to operate in induction heating (IH) mode. The induction heatingassembly 170 may heat the water immediately and rapidly at the time ofmanipulation for hot water discharge. The heating assembly controls theoutput of the magnetic field so that purified water may be heated to atarget temperature and supplied to a user. Thus, depending on the user'smanipulation, the hot water at the target temperature may be discharged.

The control assembly 180 may be configured to control the operation ofthe purification device 10. The assembly 180 may be configured tocontrol the compressor 141, the cooling fan 143, various valves andsensors, the induction heating assembly 170, and the like. The controlassembly 180 may be configured as a module by a combination of PCBs(printed circuit boards) divided into a plurality of functional parts.In addition, when the purification device 10 discharges only cold waterand purified water, a PCB for controlling the induction heating assembly170 may be omitted. In this manner, the at least one PCB may be omitted.Hereinafter, the water-outlet module, which is a main component of thepresent disclosure, is illustrated. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspectiveview of the water-outlet module as a component of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of thepurification device according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of thewater-outlet module as a component of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the water-outlet module 400 may includethe front-cover fixed cover 410, the vertically-movable cover 420, andthe water-outlet nozzle 430. The fixed cover 410 is secured to therotator 200 positioned within the main body 100 through the opening 101defined in the front cover 111. The cover 410 protrudes forward of themain body 100, and the top of the cover 410 is connected to the bottomof the manipulation structure 300. The vertically-movable cover 420 ismovable up and down while being supported by the fixed cover 410. Thewater-outlet nozzle 430 is mounted on the bottom of thevertically-movable cover 420.

The water-outlet nozzle 430 is coupled to the bottom of thevertically-movable cover 420. When the vertically-movable cover 420ascends and descends along the fixed cover 410, the position (height) inthe vertical direction of the water-outlet nozzle 430 may vary.

Since as described below, the fixed cover 410 is fixed to the rotator200, the vertically-movable cover 420 and the water-outlet nozzle 430connected to the fixed cover 410 may be varied in position in thehorizontal direction. In this connection, the top of the fixed cover 410is connected to the bottom of the manipulation structure 300.

According to this configuration, in a spacing B between the rotator 200and the manipulation structure 300, an accommodation space S may bedefined. The top of the vertically-movable cover 420 may be located inthe accommodation space S provided between the rotator 200 and themanipulation structure 300 when the vertically-movable cover 420 ismaximally raised.

The length of the vertically-movable cover 420 may be increased by theaccommodation space S as described above. As a result, the maximum riselevel of the water-outlet nozzle 430 coupled to the vertically-movablecover 420 and the vertically-movable cover 420 may be further higher. Inaddition, the maximum descending level of the water-outlet nozzle 430coupled to the vertically-movable cover 420 and the vertically-movablecover 420 may be further lowered. That is, the adjustable heightvariation of the water-outlet nozzle 430 coupled to thevertically-movable cover 420 and the vertically-movable cover 420 may belarger.

When the top of the fixed cover 410 is connected to the bottom of themanipulation structure 300 as described above, the top of thewater-outlet module 400 is primarily supported by the manipulationstructure 300 relative to the main body 100. Further, by the rotator200, the bottom or center of the module 400 may be secondarily supportedrelative to the main body 100.

Accordingly, the water-outlet module 400 may be more rigidly connectedto the main body 100. When the water-outlet module 400 is rotated orlifted, the water-outlet module 400 may be prevented from vibrating. Inthis embodiment, the device may further include a bridge 500 connectingthe rotator 200 and the water-outlet module 400.

The bridge 500 integrally connects the rotator 200 and the fixed cover410. The bridge 500 passes through the opening 101. Both ends of thebridge are fixed to the rotator 200 and the fixed cover 410,respectively. When the water-outlet module 400 and the rotator 200 arerotated, the bridge 500 moves along the opening 101.

In this embodiment, the bridge 500, the tip of the rotator 200 to whichthe bridge 500 is connected, the back of the fixed cover 410, and theback of the vertically-movable cover 420 (right side of the drawing) mayhave respectively fluid channels 201, 412, 422, and 501 defined therein,through which a hose may pass. The channels may communicate with eachother. When the fluid channels 201, 412, 422, and 501 are defined asdescribed above, the inner space of the main body 100 and the innerspace of the vertically-movable cover 420 may communicate with eachother.

Accordingly, the hose 600 for supplying at least one of purified water,cold water, and hot water as generated from the main body 100 may beconnected to the water-outlet nozzle 430 provided in thevertically-movable cover 420 via the fluid channels 201, 412, 422, and501. In one example, the hose 600 may include a purified water pipesupplying purified water and cold water, and a hot water pipe supplyinghot water.

In this connection, the purified water pipe and the hot water pipe aremade of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, or the like, andmay be bent or flattened. Thus, the pipe may be adapted to thevertical-movement movement of the vertically-movable cover 420.

When the vertically-movable cover 420 and the water-outlet nozzle 430are lifted and lowered, the hose 600 may be adapted to the verticalmovement of the vertically-movable cover 420, while bending orexpanding, within the inner space 421 of the vertically-movable cover420. Thus, regardless of the height of the vertically-movable cover 420and the water-outlet nozzle 430, the cold water, purified water and hotwater may be supplied to the water-outlet nozzle 430.

In one embodiment, the fixed cover 410 has an vertical-movement enablingspace 411 defined therein. The vertically-movable cover 420 isaccommodated in the vertical-movement enabling space 411 provided insidethe fixed cover 410. The cover 420 may move up and down in the space 411and thus vary the height of the water-discharge nozzle 430.

That is, while the vertically-movable cover 420 is accommodated in thefixed cover 410, the cover 420 moves up and down while entering orexiting the fixed cover 410 through the open bottom of the fixed cover410. In one example, when the vertically-movable cover 420 is at itsmaximum vertical-movement, the vertically-movable cover 420 may beentirely housed within the fixed cover 410.

When the vertically-movable cover 420 is raised up as described above,the user holds the vertically-movable cover 420 and pulls the cover 420downward. Thus, the vertically-movable cover 420 descends while beingheld in contact with the fixed cover 410. Thus, the cover 420 is exposedto the outside of the fixed cover 410.

Conversely, in a state where the vertically-movable cover 420 islowered, the user pushes the vertically-movable cover 420 upward. Thus,the vertically-movable cover 420 is lifted up while being accommodatedinside the fixed cover 410. In this manner, the vertically-movable cover420 ascends and descends such that the height of the water-outlet nozzle430 fixed to the vertically-movable cover 420 may vary.

The outer surface of the vertically-movable cover 420 may be shaped tocorrespond to the shape of the vertical-movement enabling space 411 ofthe fixed cover 410. In one embodiment, the at least portion of each ofthe fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420 may have anarc-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the fixed cover 410 and thevertically-movable cover 420 may have a circular cross-section. Inanother example, the at least portion of each of the fixed cover 410 andthe vertically-movable cover 420 may have a straight cross-section.Alternatively, the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420may have various cross-sectional shapes.

In addition, the vertically-movable cover 420 or the fixed cover 410 maybe provided with a vertically-movable cover 420 for reducing thevertically-moving force applied to the vertically-movable cover 420. Inthis connection, the vertically-moving force applied to thevertically-movable cover 420 refers to all forces that affect thevertical movement of the vertically-movable cover 420.

In one example, the vertically-moving force may include: a force bywhich the user pulls the vertically-movable cover 420 downward to lowerthe vertically-movable cover 420, a force by which the user pushes thevertically-movable cover 420 upward to raise the vertically-movablecover 420, and a force by which the vertically-movable cover 420descends by gravity, etc.

When as described above, the vertically-movable cover 420 movesvertically with respect to the fixed cover 410, the vertically-movablecover 420 may be lowered arbitrarily by its own weight. In detail, withthe vertically-movable cover 420 fully housed within the fixed cover410, the self-weight of the vertically-movable cover 420 may cause thevertically-movable cover 420 to fall out of the fixed cover 410.Alternatively, when the user holds the vertically-movable cover 420 anddescends to the target position, and, then, the user releases his/herhand from the vertically-movable cover 420, the vertically-movable cover420 may be further lowered by its own weight without being fixed inplace. That is, it is difficult to maintain the height of thevertically-movable cover 420 due to the self-weight thereof.

According to the present disclosure, in order to prevent such asituation, the fixed cover 410 or the vertically-movable cover 420 hasthe resisting means. The resisting means reduces the vertically-movingforce exerted on the vertically-movable cover 420 for an upward ordownward movement of the vertically-movable cover 420.

Thus, with the vertically-movable cover 420 fully housed within thefixed cover 410, the resistance means may allow the vertically-movablecover 420 to be held in place in the accommodated state without beinglowered by its own weight. Furthermore, even when, with thevertically-movable cover 420 being held at the target position, or beingraised or lowered to the target position by the user, a user releaseshis/her hand from the vertically-movable cover 420, thevertically-movable cover 420 may be held at the target position. Thus,with the user positioning the water-outlet nozzle 430 at the targetheight, the user may proceed to discharge water.

In this connection, the resisting means is configured to prevent thevertically-movable cover 420 from falling due to its own weight. Theresisting force of the resisting means must be selected to the extentthat it does not exert too much force on the user not to manipulate thevertically-movable cover 420 for vertical movement. In addition, theresistive force should be employed to the extent that the user may haveimproved sense of manipulation felt while vertically moving thevertically-movable cover 420.

The resisting means may include a material including rubber, etc. havinga frictional force, or a material including a viscous oil, etc.Alternatively, the resistance means may be implemented in variousembodiments, to the extent that it can reduce the vertically-movingforce exerted on the vertically-movable cover 420.

In one example, the resisting means may include at least one resistingprotrusion 423. The at least one resisting protrusion 423 protrudesoutward along the vertical direction from one face of thevertically-movable cover 420 facing the fixed cover 410. The protrusion423 may linearly-contact the fixed cover 410 when the vertically-movablecover 420 moves.

In another example, the resisting means may include at least oneresisting protrusion (not shown) protruding outward along the verticaldirection from one face of the fixed cover 410 facing thevertically-movable cover 420. The protrusion (not shown) maylinearly-contact the vertically-movable cover 420 when the cover 420moves.

In this connection, the term ‘linearly-contact’ means that in thecross-section shown in FIG. 8, while the fixed cover 410 and thevertically-movable cover 420 are point-contacted with each other, thispoint-contact extends continuously along the vertical movement directionof the vertically-movable cover 420. Thus, the linearly-contact ‘meansthat the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420 contactlinearly along the direction of vertical movement of thevertically-movable cover 420.

For this purpose, at least one resisting protrusion 423 may be formedalong the vertical movement direction of the vertically-movable cover420 on the fixed cover 410 or the vertically-movable cover 420. In avariant example, when the resisting protrusion 423 is formed on thevertically-movable cover 420, a groove (not shown) may be defined in thefixed cover 410 at a position corresponding to the resisting protrusion423.

When the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420 arelinearly-contacted with each other via the resisting protrusion 423 asdescribed above, the friction between the fixed cover 410 and thevertically-movable cover 420 is minimized, while the fixed cover 410 andthe vertically-movable cover 420 are contacted (linearly-contacted) andsupported with each other. Thus, the vertical movement of thevertically-movable cover 420 may be stabilized. In addition,deformation, including warping of the fixed cover 410 and thevertically-movable cover 420, may be prevented as much as possible dueto the mutual contact support as mentioned above.

In addition, the user may vertically move the vertically-movable cover420 without applying great force, thereby improving the manipulationsensitivity the user feels. In addition, the resisting protrusion 423secures a predetermined clamping force to the vertically-movable cover420 so that the vertically-movable cover 420 does not descendarbitrarily but is fixed at a height designated by the user.

In one example, the resisting protrusion 423 may have a convexsemicircular cross-section. When the resisting protrusion 423 is formedto have a curved surface as described above, the vertical movement ofthe vertically-movable cover 420 may be performed more smoothly in astate in which the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420are linearly-contacted. In addition, the number of resisting protrusions423 may be at least two.

Further, when, with the vertically-movable cover 420 in contact with thefixed cover 410 as described above, the cover 420 is repeatedly movedvertically, noise is generated from the friction between the fixed cover410 and the vertically-movable cover 420. Further, wear may occur at thecontact area between the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movablecover 420. Furthermore, manipulation for vertical movement of thevertically-movable cover 420 by the user may be difficult. To preventthis situation, the fixed cover 410 and the vertically-movable cover 420may be made of materials different from each other.

In one example, one of the vertically-movable cover 420 and the fixedcover 410 may be made of one of an ABS resin(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin) and a POM (polyoxymethylene)material, while the other of the vertically-movable cover 420 and thefixed cover 410 may be made of the other of an ABS resin(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin) and a POM (polyoxymethylene)material. Alternatively, a variety of well-known engineering plasticshaving excellent fatigue resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance, andlubricity may be employed instead of POM (polyoxymethylene). Therefore,when the vertically-movable cover 420 is vertically moved, wear andnoise due to the friction between the fixed cover 410 and thevertically-movable cover 420 can be reduced. Moreover, the feeling ofthe manipulation that the user feels may be improved.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a guide bracket attached to thewater-outlet module as one component of the present disclosure. FIG. 10is a perspective view of the guide bracket as one component of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9 to 10, the vertically-movablecover 420 or the fixed cover 410 includes a guide for guiding thevertically-movable cover 420 to move in a straight line.

The vertically-movable cover 420 is vertically moved while beingaccommodated in the fixed cover 410. At this time, the vertical movementof the vertically-movable cover 420 may be guided in a straight line bythe fixed cover 410. However, when the vertically-movable cover 420 isexposed outside the fixed cover 410, the vertically-movable cover 420may sway to the left or right. In this case, the vertical movement ofthe vertically-movable cover 420 progresses unstably. When theseunstable movements are repeated, this results in deformation and damageof the fixed cover 410 or the vertically-movable cover 420.

In accordance with the present disclosure, to prevent this situation,the device has a separate guide. The guide may be configured in variousmanners to guide the cover 420 such that the vertically-movable cover420 may be vertically moved in a straight line without moving in theleft-right direction or front-rearward direction while thevertically-movable cover 420 is supported by the fixed cover 410.

In one example, the vertically-movable cover 420 may have a first guidegroove 441 defined inwardly, or a first guide protrusions 442 and 442′protruding outwardly. In this connection, on the fixed cover 410, asecond guide protrusion 414 inserted into the first guide groove 441 ora second guide groove 415 accommodating the first guide protrusion 442may be formed along the vertical direction.

Referring to FIG. 9, on the vertically-movable cover 420, the firstguide groove 441 and the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′ may beformed, while, on the fixed cover 410, the second guide protrusion 414and the second guide groove 415 may be formed. In this case, with thesecond guide protrusion 414 being fitted in the first guide groove 441and the first guide protrusion 442 being fitted in the second guidegroove 415, the vertically-movable cover 420 moves vertically. Thereby,the vertically-movable cover 420 may be moved vertically in a straightline without swinging in the front-rear direction and the left-rightdirection.

As described above, the first guide groove 441 and the first guideprotrusions 442 and 442′ may be formed directly on thevertically-movable cover 420. Alternatively, the first guide groove 441and the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′ may be coupled onto thevertically-movable cover 420 via separate members.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 10, a guide bracket 440 having the firstguide groove 441 and the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′ may befixed to the upper rear end of the vertically-movable cover 420. Thatis, when the vertically-movable cover 420 is engaged with a guidebracket 440, and the guide bracket 440 moves vertically in a straightline along the fixed cover 410, the vertically-movable cover 420 coupledto the guide bracket 440 may be vertically moved in a straight linetogether with the guide bracket 440.

In addition, the guide bracket 440 may have a connection portion 444coupled with the protrusion (not shown) protruding inwardly from theupper face of the vertically-movable cover 420. In one example, theconnection portion 444 may be fastened with the protrusion (not shown)of the vertically-movable cover 420 using a fastening device including ascrew, and the like.

In addition, the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′ of the guidebracket 440 may be respectively positioned on both sides of the secondguide protrusion 414 of the fixed cover 410 and may be spaced apart fromeach other to form a pair. In this connection, the first guide groove441 is provided between the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′. Inaddition, a wing 443 extending in parallel with the rear wall 416 of thesecond guide groove 415 and facing the rear wall 416 may be formed onthe end of the first guide protrusion 442. In one example, the wing 443may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first guide protrusion442.

The wing 443 is supported in face-contact with the rear wall 416 of thesecond guide groove 415. Thus, the swinging motion of the guide bracket440 in the front-rear direction and the swinging motion of the guidebracket 440 in the lateral direction may be more reliably reduced.

When, as described above, the first guide protrusions 442 and 442′ areprovided in a paired form, and the guide bracket 440 has the wing 443formed on the end of the first guide protrusion 442, thevertically-movable cover 420 is contacted and supported by the fixedcover 410 more reliably during moving in the vertical direction. As aresult, the vertically-movable cover 420 may be vertically moved in astraight line, without shaking in the forward and backward directionsand the leftward and rightward directions.

In addition, the second guide groove 415 of the fixed cover 410 mayreceive the first guide protrusion 442 of the guide bracket 440 and theend 424 of the vertically-movable cover 420. Thus, while the guidebracket 440, and the vertically-movable cover 420 to which the guidebracket 440 is coupled may contact and be supported on the fixed cover410, the vertically-movable cover 420 and guide bracket 440 movevertically. As a result, the coupling force between thevertically-movable cover 420 and the fixed cover 410 may be higher, and,hence, the coupling force between the vertically-movable cover 420 andthe guide bracket 440 may also be increased.

In one example, the first guide groove 441 and the first guideprotrusions 442 and 442′ may be formed to face rearward (toward the mainbody), while the second guide protrusion 414 and the second guide groove415 may be formed to face forward (toward the water-outlet module). Inaddition, the guide bracket 440 may be linearly-contact with the fixedcover 410.

To this end, a protrusion 448 protruding toward the fixed cover 410 fromthe surface of the guide bracket 440 facing the fixed cover 410 may beformed along the vertical movement direction of the guide bracket 440.When, as described above, the guide bracket 440 repeatedly movesvertically while being in contact with the fixed cover 410, the wear ofthe fixed cover 410 or the guide bracket 440 may be caused by thefriction between the fixed cover 410 and the guide bracket 440.

In order to prevent such a situation, the guide bracket 440 may be madeof POM (polyoxymethylene). In this connection, various known engineeringplastics having excellent fatigue resistance, toughness, abrasionresistance, and lubricity may be employed in place of POM(polyoxymethylene). Therefore, when the guide bracket 440 movesvertically along the fixed cover 410, wear and noise otherwise caused byfriction with the fixed cover 410 may be reduced. Moreover, themanipulation sensitivity the user feels may be improved.

Referring back to FIG. 5, on each of both sides of thevertically-movable cover 420, an outwardly projecting handle 425 may beformed. A seat groove 419 on which the handle 425 is seated may beformed on each of both sides of the fixed cover 410. In this connection,a shoulder 425 a may be formed at the upper end of the handle 425. Thus,when the user holds the handle 425 and lifts the vertically-movablecover 420 upwards and, thus, the cover 420 reaches the maximum elevationheight, the shoulder 425 a of the handle 425 may be engaged with theseat groove 419. That is, the seat groove 419 and the handle 425 mayserve as a stopper for restricting the elevation height of thevertically-movable cover 420.

In addition, the handle 425 may be formed to have a grip groove 425 brecessed inwardly therein. When, as described above, the grip groove 425b is formed, the user may grip or lift the vertically-movable cover 420by gripping the grip groove 425 b. In this connection, the user maylower or lift the vertically-movable cover 420 without slipping on thehandle.

In another example, along the outer perimeter of the bottom of thevertically-movable cover 420, a horizontally projecting flange 426 maybe formed. The flange 426 may be in contact with the bottom of the fixedcover 410 at the maximum rise of the vertically-movable cover 420.

In addition, the flange 426 may protrude outward beyond the fixed cover410. That is, the outer diameter of the flange 426 may be larger thanthe outer diameter of the fixed cover 410. Thus, with thevertically-movable cover 420 being fully housed within the fixed cover410, the user may hold the flange 426 and lower the vertically-movablecover 420. In addition, the flange 426 may serve as a stopper forlimiting the elevation height of the vertically-movable cover 420.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the vertically-movable cover 420 or the fixedcover 410 may have a stopping mechanism for preventing thevertically-movable cover 420 from further descending from the maximumdescent position of the vertically-movable cover 420 when the covermoves down. Likewise, the vertically-movable cover 420 or the fixedcover 410 may have a further stopping mechanism that stops thevertically-movable cover 420 from further rising when thevertically-movable cover 420 is at its maximum height.

If the stopping mechanism is not present, it is difficult for the userto recognize the maximum rise height and the maximum fall height of thevertically-movable cover 420. Thus, while the vertically-movable cover420 is descending, the cover 420 may fall out of the fixed cover 410.Further, during the elevation of the vertically-movable cover 420, thebottom of the vertically-movable cover 420 may enter the inside of thefixed cover 410.

In order to avoid this situation, the stopping mechanism is providedwhich is configured to constrain the descending or rising motion of thevertically-movable cover 420 when the vertically-movable cover 420 islowered or raised to a set maximum falling or rising level.

In one example, the stopping mechanism may include a stopping protrusion445 formed to protrude outward from the guide bracket 440 coupled to thetop of the vertically-movable cover 420 or to the top of thevertically-movable cover 420, and a stopping groove 417 defined inwardlyand concavely in the top and/or bottom of the fixed cover 410 toaccommodate the stopping protrusion 445. Thus, when thevertically-movable cover 420 is lowered or raised to its maximum level,the stopping protrusion 445 is received within and engaged with thestopping groove 417, the descending or rising motion of thevertically-movable cover 420 may be constrained.

In contrast, the stopping groove may be defined in the guide bracket 440coupled to the top of the vertically-movable cover 420 or to the top ofthe vertically-movable cover 420, while the stopping protrusion mayprotrude from the top and/or bottom of the fixed cover 410. Referring toFIG. 10, at both sides of the stopping protrusion 445, both elongateslots 446 may be formed therein (see section (a) of FIG. 10).

The stopping protrusion 445 may be provided on a rib 447 providedbetween the elongate slots 446. The rib 447 has a small width and thusis easily deformed elastically. As a result, the stopping protrusion 445may be resiliently inserted into the stopping groove 417 or resilientlyseparated from the stopping groove 417.

In another example, the first guide protrusion 442′ may take a U-shapedbent shape (see section (b) of FIG. 10). In this connection, one end ofthe first guide protrusion 442′ is fixed to the guide bracket 440, whilethe other end thereof is spaced from the guide bracket 440, therebydefining a slit S.

Therefore, the other end of the first guide protrusion 442′ is easilydeformed elastically. As a result, the stopping protrusion 445 formed onthe other end of the first guide protrusion 442′ may be resilientlyinserted into the stopping groove 417 or resiliently separated from thestopping groove 417. In addition, a shoulder 418 protruding inward maybe formed on the bottom of the fixed cover 410.

The shoulder 418 is engaged with the bottom of the guide bracket 440 andrestrains the bottom when the vertically-movable cover 420 is at itsmaximum descent. The shoulder 418 may more reliably prevent thevertically-movable cover 420 from falling below the maximum descentlevel.

In addition, the stopping protrusion 445 or the stopping groove 417 maybe formed along the periphery of the vertically-movable cover 420 or thefixed cover 410. In this case, the fastening force between the stoppingprotrusion 445 and the stopping groove 417 is strengthened. This morereliably prevents the vertically-movable cover 420 from falling belowthe maximum descent level.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the connectionstructure between the rotator as one component of the present disclosureand the main body. Hereinafter, the rotator as another main component ofthe present disclosure will be exemplified

The water-outlet module 400 is connected to the rotator 200, and rotatestogether with the rotator 200 such that the module 400 varies thehorizontal position of the water-discharge nozzle 430. Referring to FIG.6 and FIG. 11, the rotator 200 includes a circular rotator body 210having a hollow space 202 defined therein, an upper disk 220 fixed at anupper level of the rotator body 210, and a lower disk 230 fixed at alower level thereof.

The rotator body 210 and the upper disk 220, and the lower disk 230 maybe combined into a single module in a manner including assembly and thelike. In one example, a plurality of the first seat protrusions, onwhich the bottom of the upper disc 220 is seated, are formed on an innerface of the upper level of the rotator body 210, while a plurality ofsecond seat protrusions may be formed on the inner face of the lowerlevel of the body 21. The top of the lower disk 230 may be seated on thesecond seat protrusions.

In addition, the first seat protrusion and the upper disk may beintegrally combined using fastening devices including screws and thelike. Likewise, the second seat protrusion and the lower disk may beintegrally combined using fastening devices including screws and thelike. In one embodiment, a central portion of each of the upper disk 220and the lower disk 230 may have through-holes 221 and 231 definedtherein communicating with the hollow space 202 of the rotator body 210.

The through-holes 221 and 231 may be positioned coaxially with therotation center of the rotator 200. The through-holes 221 and 231 areformed to inform the operator of the installed positions of the purifiedwater pipe and hot water pipe through which discharged water flows.

In one example, through the through-holes 221 and 231, the hot waterpipe, the purified water pipe, and the cold water pipe may be introducedinto the rotator 200. The hose 600, which includes the hot water pipe,the purified water pipe, and the cold water pipe entering the rotator200 passes through the fluid channel 201 of the rotator 200, the fluidchannel 501 of the bridge 500, the fluid channel 412 of the fixed cover410 and the fluid channel 422 of the vertically-movable cover 420, and,subsequently, enters the accommodation space 421 of thevertically-movable cover 420 and then connects to the water outletnozzle 430 via a connection member 700. Accordingly, purified water, hotwater, and cold water generated from the main body 100 may betransferred to the water-outlet nozzle 430, respectively.

In one embodiment, the rotator 200 is rotatably mounted within the mainbody 100. In one example, in the main body 100, first and secondextensions 111 d and 136 protruding inward along the periphery of theinner surface of the main body 100 are respectively formed at the upperlevel and the lower level of the opening 101. Correspondingly, upper andlower guide grooves 222 and 232 may be formed in the top face of theupper disk 220 and the bottom face of the lower disk 230 to respectivelyreceive ends of the first and second extensions 111 d and 136,respectively.

At least portions of the first and second extensions 111 d and 136 andcorresponding upper and lower guide grooves 222 and 232 may be formed inan arc shape. In one example, each of the first and second extensions111 d and 136 may be formed in a semicircular shape, while each of theguide grooves 222 and 232 may be circular.

In this embodiment, the first extension 111 d may extend from the innersurface of the upper cover 111 a, while the second extension 136 mayextend from the top of the filter bracket 130. In one embodiment, thesecond extension may extend from the inner surface of the lower cover111 b.

Accordingly, while the ends of the first and second extensions 111 d and136 are received in the guide grooves 222 and 232, respectively, therotator 200 may be rotatably mounted on the main body 100. In thisembodiment, a first guide protrusion 111 d′ extending downward may beformed at an end of the first extension 111 d, while a second guideprotrusion 136′ extending upward may be formed at an end of the secondextension 136. In one example, the first guide protrusion 111 d′ mayhave an L-shaped cross section, while the second guide protrusion 136′may have an inverted L-shaped cross-section.

The first guide protrusion 111 d′ and the second guide protrusion 136′are accommodated in the guide grooves 222 and 232, respectively. As aresult, the rotator 200 may be rotatably mounted to the main body 100.Furthermore, guide ribs 111 e and 137 are respectively formed on thebottom of the first guide protrusion 111 d′ and on the top of the guideprotrusion 136′ so as to be in a linearly-contact manner with the guidegrooves 222 and 232, respectively.

In this connection, at least a portion of each of the first and secondguide protrusions 111 d′ and 136′ and the guide ribs 111 e and 137 maybe formed in an arc shape. In one example, each of the first and secondguide protrusions 111 d′ and 136′ and guide ribs 111 e and 137 may besemicircular.

When as described above, the upper and lower disks 220 and 230 and thefirst and second extensions 111 d and 136 are linearly-contacted via theguide ribs 111 e and 137, respectively, the frictional force between therotator 200 and the main body 100 may be reduced to a minimum. At thesame time, the rotator 200 may be contacted and supported by the mainbody 100, whereby the rotation of the rotator 200 may be stabilized.Moreover, the user may rotate the rotator 200 without applying greatforce, so that the manipulation sensitivity felt by the user may beimproved.

In one example, each of the guide ribs 111 e and 137 may have a convexsemicircular vertical cross-section. When the shape of each of the guideribs 111 e and 137 is curved as described above, the rotational motionof the rotator 200 may proceed more smoothly with the upper disk 220 andthe lower disk 230 being in linearly-contact with the first and secondextensions 111 d and 136 respectively.

Further, while as described above, the guide ribs 111 e and 137 arelinearly-contacted with the upper disk 220 and the lower disk 230,respectively, the rotator 200 rotates repeatedly. Thus, the frictionbetween the guide ribs 111 e and 137 and the upper disk 220 and thelower disk 230 respectively may cause wear thereof.

In order to prevent such a situation, at least one of the upper disk 220and the lower disk 230 or at least one of the guide ribs 111 e and 137may be made of POM (polyoxymethylene). Alternatively, instead of POM(polyoxymethylene), various known engineering plastics having excellentfatigue resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance, and lubricity may beadopted.

Therefore, when the disks 220 and 230 are repeatedly rotated while theupper disk 220 and the lower disk 230 are linearly-contacted with theguide ribs 111 e and 137, respectively, wear and noise due to thefriction between the guide ribs 111 e and 137 and the disks 220 and 230may be reduced. Moreover, the manipulation sensitivity the user feelsmay be improved.

In one embodiment, the top cover 114 may be provided on the top of theupper cover 111 a. The top-cover 114 defines the top face of thepurification device 10. The manipulation structure 300 is rotatablymounted on the top-cover 114.

Hereinafter, the manipulation structure will be described in moredetail. FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view showing a connectionstructure between the manipulation structure as one component of thepresent disclosure and the main body. FIG. 13 is a top view of the mainbody viewed from above with the manipulation structure being removedtherefrom. FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing theconnection structure between the manipulation structure as one componentof the present disclosure and the main body.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the manipulation structure 300 is rotatablymounted on the top face of the main body 100, that is, the top-cover114. The manipulation structure 300 rotates together with thewater-outlet module 400 by a rotational force applied to thewater-outlet module 400. That is, when a user applies the rotationalforce to the water-outlet module 400 to rotate the water-outlet module400, the rotator 200, which is connected to the water-outlet module 400,rotates. At the same time, the manipulation structure 300 connected tothe top of the water-outlet module 400 also rotates.

In this connection, the rotation axis of the manipulation structure 300and the rotation axis of the rotator 200 may be arranged coaxially. Inorder to rotatably couple the manipulation structure 300 to the top faceof the main body 100 as described above, a rotation-hole 114 a is formedin the top face of the main body 100, that is, the top-cover 114.Further, the bottom of the manipulation structure 300 is inserted intothe rotation-hole 114 a. Thus, the unit 300 may rotate in and along therotation-hole 114 a.

In this connection, the manipulation structure 300 may shield therotation-hole 114 a so that the rotation-hole 114 a is not exposed tothe outside. That is, the size of the rotation-hole 114 a may be smallerthan the size of the manipulation structure 300.

In one embodiment, the manipulation structure 300 needs to be rotatablysecured to the top-cover 114 so that the bottom of the manipulationstructure 300 is not separated upward from the hole during the rotationwhile the bottom of the manipulation structure 300 is inserted into therotation-hole 114 a. To this end, the bottom of the manipulationstructure 300 may have a seat groove defined therein into which theinner edge of the top-cover 114 having the rotation-hole 114 a isfitted.

In another example, the manipulation structure 300 may be rotatablysecured to the top-cover 114 via a separate coupling member.Hereinafter, the connection structure between the manipulation structure300 and the top-cover 114 will be described in more detail.

At the edge of the top-cover 114 defining the rotation-hole 114 a, avertical portion 114 b extending downward and a horizontal portion 114 cextending inward from the bottom of the vertical portion 114 b may beformed. In this connection, a corner 114 f is formed between the edge ofthe top-cover 114 defining the rotation-hole 114 a and the verticalportion 114 b. The bottom of the manipulation structure 300 may have ahorizontally protruding seated portion 340 to be seated on the corner114 f.

The rotation-hole 114 a may be covered by the seated portion 340.

In addition, a rotatable bracket 800 may be provided between themanipulation structure 300 and the top-cover 114. The rotatable bracket800 is supported in contact with the top and bottom of the horizontalportion 114 c, respectively, and rotates along the horizontal portion114 c. The rotatable bracket 800 is fixed to the manipulation structure300. Thus, the rotatable bracket 800 and the manipulation structure 300are joined together. Thereby, when the rotatable bracket 800 rotatesalong the horizontal portion 114 c, the manipulation structure 300 mayalso rotate together with the rotatable bracket 800. At least a portionof the rotatable bracket 800 may have an arc shape. In one example, therotatable bracket 800 may have a sector shape.

In addition, the rotatable bracket 800 has a rotation-guide rib 810protruding outwardly from its surface facing the horizontal portion 114c or the vertical portion 114 b. The rotation-guide rib 810 may belinearly-contact with the horizontal portion 114 c or the verticalportion 114 b.

In another example, a rotation-guide rib 114 d may be protruded from thehorizontal portion 114 c or the vertical portion 114 b so as to be in alinearly-contact manner with the rotatable bracket 800.

When as described above, the rotatable bracket 800 and the horizontalportion 114 c or the vertical portion 114 b are linearly-contacted witheach other, the frictional force between the rotatable bracket 800 andthe horizontal portion 114 c or the vertical portion 114 b is reduced toa minimum. Thus, the configuration that the rotatable bracket 800 andthe horizontal portion 114 c or the vertical portion 114 b bear againsteach other in a linearly-contacting manner with each other may allow therotation operation of the rotatable bracket 800 to be stably performed.

Moreover, the user does not need to apply much force to the manipulationstructure 300 connected to the rotatable bracket 800 to be rotated, sothat the manipulation sensitivity felt by the user may be improved.Furthermore, the rotatable bracket 800 has an upper support rib 820protruding upward from its top face. The manipulation structure 300 mayhave a seat protrusion 320 that protrudes from its bottom and isinserted into the space between the upper support rib 820 and thevertical portion 114 b.

Thus, the coupling force between the rotatable bracket 800 and themanipulation structure 300 and the top-cover 114 may be furtherimproved. In addition, the top-cover 114 may have, on the top facethereof, a spacer rib 114 e protruding upward from the edge of therotation-hole 114 a.

The spacer rib 114 e as described above allows the seated portion 340 tobe linearly-contacted with the top-cover 114. As a result, thefrictional force between the manipulation structure 300 and thetop-cover 114 may be further reduced. In addition, the rotatable bracket800 has the following features: an extension 840 extending downward fromthe bottom of the rotatable bracket 800, and a hook 830 formed at thebottom of the extension 840 and engaged with the bottom of thehorizontal portion 114 c, and stopped by the portion 114 c.

Thus, the rotatable bracket 800 may be elastically fitted with andfastened to the horizontal portion 114 c. In this embodiment, anarc-shaped cutout 840 may be formed in the rotatable bracket 800. Theextension 840 may extend from the cutout 840.

Due to the presence of the cutout 840, the extension 840 and the hook830 can be elastically deformed. Further, the rotatable bracket 800 maybe resiliently fitted with and fastened to the horizontal portion 114 c.In addition, the rotatable bracket 800 may be provided with a connectionportion 860 extending horizontally inward. The rotatable bracket 800 andthe manipulation structure 300 may be connected via the connectionportion 860.

In one example, the connection portion 860 of the rotatable bracket 800may be coupled to the manipulation structure 300 using fastening devicesincluding bolts, screws, etc. For this purpose, a boss B may be providedinside a rotatable bracket 800 or the manipulation structure 300. Inaddition, the rotatable bracket 800 may space at least a portion of themanipulation structure 300 from the top face of the main body 100, thatis, the top-cover 114.

In one example, when the height of the upper support rib 820 is smallerthan the height of the seat protrusion 320, a gap G may be definedbetween the seated portion 340 and the top-cover 114. In this case, thefrictional force applied to the manipulation structure 300 is furtherreduced such that the rotational motion of the manipulation structure300 may proceed more smoothly.

In one embodiment, when as described above, the rotatable bracket 800 islinearly-contacted with and supported on the top-cover 114, the bracket800 is rotated repeatedly. This may cause noise due to the frictionbetween the rotatable bracket 800 and the top-cover 114. Further, in thecontact area between the rotatable bracket 800 and the top-cover 114,wear may occur. Furthermore, manipulation for rotation of themanipulation structure 300 by the user may be difficult.

In order to prevent such a situation, the rotatable bracket 800 and thetop-cover 114 may be made of different materials. In one example, one ofthe rotatable bracket 800 and the top-cover 114 may be made of one ofABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin and POM(polyoxymethylene), while the other of the rotatable bracket 800 and thetop-cover 114 may be made of the other of ABS resin(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin) and POM (polyoxymethylene).Alternatively, various known engineering plastics having excellentlubricity, fatigue resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance and thelike may be employed in place of POM (polyoxymethylene).

Therefore, when the rotatable bracket 800 and the manipulation structure300 are rotated, wear and noise due to the friction between therotatable bracket 800 and the top-cover 114 can be reduced. Moreover,the feeling of manipulation that the user feels may be improved. Inaddition, the top face 330 of the manipulation structure 300 may beformed as an inclined face whose height is reduced in a direction closerto the water-outlet module. Accordingly, the manipulation structure 300may improve the manipulation convenience and readability of the userwhile improving manipulation performance thereof by the user.

The following is an example of ‘tray’ as one component of the presentdisclosure. Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the tray 900 is connectedto the base 113 so as to protrude forward of the front-cover 111. Inaddition, the tray 900 may be positioned vertically below thewater-outlet module 400. Further, the tray 900 may be rotated bymanipulation of the user. The tray may be separated from the base 113.The tray 900 may also have a grill formed rightly below the water-outletnozzle 430 so that the tray 900 may receive water falling from thewater-outlet nozzle 430.

The tray 900 has a rotatable ring 910 rotatably mounted on the base 113.Thus, the tray 900 may be rotated by the rotatable ring 910 while beingmounted on the base 113. The base 113 defines the bottom face of thepurification device 10. The periphery of the base 113 may extend upwardand then be coupled with the side-panel 115, the front-cover 111, andthe rear-cover 112.

The rotatable ring 910 formed at the rear portion of the bottom surfaceof the tray 900 may be rotatably mounted onto a front portion of thebase 113. The tray 900 may be rotated in both left and right directionsby the rotatable ring 910.

The front portion of the top of the base 113 may be formed to be lowerthan the rear portion of the top of the base 113. Thus, a steppedportion may be formed. Further, an opening is defined between the frontportion of the base 113 and the bottom portions of the front-cover 111and the side panel 115. Thus, the tray 900 may be rotated in the leftand right directions through the opening.

Furthermore, the stepped portion between the front portion and the rearportion of the base 113 functions as a stopper for limiting the rotationangle of the tray 900 when the tray 900 is rotated. Further, when thetray 900 is rotated, both sides of the tray 900 are brought into contactwith the stopper, whereby rotation of the tray 900 may be restricted.

Aspects of the present disclosure is to provide a purification device inwhich a water-outlet nozzle may be freely changed in position byvertically moving or rotating the water-outlet nozzle while coupling thewater-outlet nozzle to a main body. In addition, aspects of the presentdisclosure provide a purification device in which a maximum rise levelof the water-outlet nozzle may be further higher, and a maximum descentlevel may be further lowered, and, as a result, the vertical levelchange range of the water-outlet nozzle may become larger.

In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which a top of the water-outlet module may be supported on themain body via a manipulation structure, and a bottom or middle portionof the water-outlet module may be secondarily supported on the main bodyvia a rotator, such that the water-outlet module may be connected morerigidly to the main body.

In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which during the rotation or vertical movement of thewater-outlet module, the water-outlet module may be prevented fromvibrating such that the rotation or vertical movement of thewater-outlet module may be more stable. Moreover, aspects of the presentdisclosure provide a purification device in which a large space forreceiving a container is secured under the water-outlet nozzle, whichallows water to be received in containers of various sizes.

Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which the operation of rotating or vertically moving thewater-outlet module in order to change the position of the water-outletnozzle may proceed at a smooth and constant speed. Furthermore, aspectsof the present disclosure provide a purification device in which theposition of the water-outlet nozzle may be changed to be adapted tovarious installation environments.

Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which water falling from the water-outlet nozzle may beprevented from splashing out of the cup due to a gravity. Furthermore,aspects of the present disclosure provide a purification device in whichwhen the user holds the water-outlet nozzle and descends the same to thetarget position and then the user releases his/her hand from the nozzle,the water-outlet nozzle may be fixed at the target position.

Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which the vertical movement of the rotator and movable coverwith the water-outlet nozzle may be straight. In addition, aspects ofthe present disclosure provide a purification device in which thevertical movement of the rotator and movable cover with the water-outletnozzle may proceed smoothly.

In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which the vertical movement of the rotator and the movablecover with the water-outlet nozzle may proceed accurately to the targetheight as designated by the user. In addition, aspects of the presentdisclosure provide a purification device in which in the process ofvertically moving the rotator and movable cover equipped with thewater-outlet nozzle, the feeling of manipulation felt by the user may beimproved.

In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which the rotator and movable cover equipped with thewater-outlet nozzle may be vertically moved in the forward or backwarddirection or in the left-right direction without vibrating. Moreover,aspects of the present disclosure provide a purification device in whichthe user may rotate the tray to the target position and freely detachand attach the tray, thereby improving the user's convenience.

In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice in which various components thereof are not exposed to theoutside, so that the purification device is apparently beautiful.Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure provide a purificationdevice that may be hygienic and may prevent breakage and deformation ofthe water-outlet nozzle. In addition, aspects of the present disclosureprovide a purification device in which since the manipulation structureis highly visually recognizable by the user, a user with a small heightas well as an adult user may recognize the manipulation structureeasily.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a purification device maycomprise: a main body having an open opening in a horizontal directionin a front-face thereof; a rotator positioned in the opening to berotatably mounted on the main body; a manipulation structure spaced fromand above the rotator and rotatably connected to a top face of the mainbody, wherein at least a portion of the manipulation structure protrudesforward of the main body; and a water-outlet module including; a fixedcover fixed to the rotator through the opening, wherein the fixed coverprotrudes forward of the main body, and a top of the fixed cover isconnected to a bottom of the manipulation structure; avertically-movable cover vertically movable while being held in contactwith the fixed cover; and a water-outlet nozzle mounted onto a bottom ofthe vertically-movable cover; wherein when the vertically-movable coverrises to a highest level, a top of the vertically-movable cover islocated in a space between the rotator and the manipulation structure.

In one implementation of the device, the fixed cover has avertical-movement enabling space defined therein, wherein thevertically-movable cover is received in the vertical-movement enablingspace in the fixed cover and moves vertically in the vertical-movementenabling space to vary a vertical level of the water-outlet nozzle.

In one implementation of the device, the vertically-movable cover or thefixed cover includes a resisting protrusion, wherein the resistingprotrusion is configured to reduce a vertically-moving force applied tothe vertically-movable cover for vertical movement of thevertically-movable cover. In one implementation of the device, thevertically-movable cover or the fixed cover includes a guide configuredto guide the movable cover such that the vertically-movable cover movesvertically in a straight line.

In one implementation of the device, the vertically-movable cover or thefixed cover has a stopping mechanism configured to block further descentof the vertically-movable cover when the vertically-movable coverreaches a maximum descent level. In one implementation of the device,the rotator includes a rotator body having a hollow space, an upper diskfixed at an upper level of the rotator body, and a lower disk fixed at alower level of the rotator body.

In one implementation of the device, the manipulation structure rotatestogether with the water-outlet module upon rotation of the water-outletmodule. In one implementation of the device, a rotation-hole is definedin a top face of the main body, wherein the manipulation structure isconfigured to rotate along an inner circumference of the rotation-hole.

In one implementation of the device, an edge of the main body definingthe rotation-hole has a vertical portion extending downward and ahorizontal portion extending inward from a bottom of the verticalportion. In one implementation of the device, the device furthercomprises a rotatable bracket secured to the manipulation structure,wherein the rotatable bracket rotates along the horizontal portion whilebearing against a top and a bottom of the horizontal portion. In oneimplementation of the device, the rotatable bracket has a rotation-guiderib protruding outward from a face of the rotatable bracket facing thehorizontal portion or the vertical portion, wherein the rotatablebracket linearly-contacts the horizontal portion or the vertical portionvia the rib.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a water-outletnozzle may be freely changed in position by vertically moving orrotating the water-outlet nozzle while coupling the water-outlet nozzleto a main body. In addition, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure, a maximum rise level of the water-outlet nozzle may befurther higher, and a maximum descent level may be further lowered, and,as a result, the vertical level change range of the water-outlet nozzlemay become larger.

In addition, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a topof the water-outlet module may be supported on the main body via amanipulation structure, and a bottom or middle portion of thewater-outlet module may be secondarily supported on the main body via arotator, such that the water-outlet module may be connected more rigidlyto the main body. In addition, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure, during the rotation or vertical movement of the water-outletmodule, the water-outlet module may be prevented from vibrating suchthat the rotation or vertical movement of the water-outlet module may bemore stable.

Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a largespace for receiving a container is secured under the water-outletnozzle, which allows water to be received in containers of varioussizes. Moreover, in accordance with the present disclosure, theoperation of rotating or vertically moving the water-outlet module inorder to change the position of the water-outlet nozzle may proceed at asmooth and constant speed.

Furthermore, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, theposition of the water-outlet nozzle may be changed to be adapted tovarious installation environments. Furthermore, in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure, water falling from the water-outletnozzle may be prevented from splashing out of the cup due to gravity.

Furthermore, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, whenthe user holds the water-outlet nozzle and descends the same to thetarget position and then the user releases his/her hand from the nozzle,the water-outlet nozzle may be fixed at the target position. Moreover,in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the verticalmovement of the rotator and movable cover with the water-outlet nozzlemay be straight.

In addition, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, thevertical movement of the rotator and movable cover with the water-outletnozzle may proceed smoothly. In addition, in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure, the vertical movement of the rotator and themovable cover with the water-outlet nozzle may proceed accurately to thetarget height as designated by the user.

In addition, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, inthe process of vertically moving the rotator and movable cover equippedwith the water-outlet nozzle, the feeling of manipulation felt by theuser may be improved. In addition, in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure, the rotator and movable cover equipped with thewater-outlet nozzle may be vertically moved in the forward or backwarddirection or in the left-right direction without vibrating.

Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the usermay rotate the tray to the target position and freely detach and attachthe tray, thereby improving the user's convenience. In addition, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure, various componentsthereof are not exposed to the outside, so that the purification deviceis apparently beautiful.

Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, thepurification device may be hygienic and may prevent breakage anddeformation of the water-outlet nozzle. In addition, in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure, since the manipulation structure ishighly visually recognizable by the user, a user with a small height aswell as an adult user may recognize the manipulation structure easily.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the embodiments and drawings as disclosedin the present specification. It will be obvious that variousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scopeof the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, it shouldbe recognized that other effects from the configurations of the presentdisclosure should be acknowledged although the other effects is notexplicitly described in the specification.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can bedirectly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers.In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layerspresent. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may beused herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of oneelement or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated inthe figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in use oroperation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Forexample, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements describedas “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented“upper” relative the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Thedevice may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used hereininterpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but areto include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The appearances of such phrases in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of theembodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a main body having a frontface that includes an opening; a rotator provided in the opening to berotatably mounted on the main body and to rotate horizontally in theopening; a handle provided above and spaced apart from the rotator androtatably connected at a top face of the main body, wherein at least aportion of the handle protrudes forward of the opening of the main body;and an outlet including: a first cover fixed to the rotator through theopening, wherein the first cover protrudes forward of the main body, anda top of the first cover is connected to a bottom of the handle; asecond cover that is vertically movable while being held in contact withthe first cover; and an outlet nozzle mounted at a bottom of the secondcover, wherein when the second cover rises to a highest level, a top ofthe second cover is located between the rotator and the handle, whereina first space is defined in the first cover, and wherein the secondcover is received in the first space in the first cover and movesvertically in the first space to vary a vertical level of the outletnozzle.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstcover or the second cover includes at least one resisting protrusion,and wherein the resisting protrusion is configured to reduce avertically moving force applied to the second cover for verticalmovement of the second cover.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the atleast one resisting protrusion protrudes outward from a face of thesecond cover facing the first cover and extends in a vertical directionto linearly contact the first cover.
 4. The device of claim 2, whereinthe at least one resisting protrusion protrudes outward from a face ofthe first cover facing the second cover and extends in a verticaldirection to linearly contact the second cover.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein the first cover and the second cover are made of differentmaterials.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein one of the first cover orthe second cover is made of one of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)resin or polyoxymethylene (POM), and wherein the other of the firstcover or the second cover is made of other one ofacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin or polyoxymethylene (POM).7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cover or thesecond cover includes a guide configured to control a movement of thesecond cover such that the second cover moves vertically in a straightline.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the second cover has at leastone of a first guide groove recessed inwardly therein or a first guideprotrusion protruding outwardly therefrom, wherein the first cover hasat least one of a second guide protrusion inserted into the first guidegroove or a second guide groove accommodating the first guideprotrusion, and wherein each of the first and second guide grooves andprotrusions extends in a vertical direction.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the second cover has a guide bracket having the first guidegroove or the first guide protrusion.
 10. The device of claim 9, whereinthe second guide groove of the first cover receives therein the firstguide protrusion of the guide bracket and an end of the second cover.11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cover orthe second cover has a stopping mechanism configured to block furtherdescent of the second cover when the second cover reaches a lowestlevel.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the stopping mechanismincludes: a stopping protrusion protruding outward from the top of thesecond cover; and a stopping groove defined inwardly in a bottom of thefirst cover to receive the stopping protrusion.
 13. The device of claim12, wherein the stopping protrusion is formed along a perimeter of thesecond cover, or the stopping groove is formed along a perimeter of thefirst cover.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the second cover has atleast one of: a flange protruding outwardly from the bottom of thesecond cover to contact a bottom of the first cover when the secondcover rises to the highest level, or at least one outwardly projectinghandle formed on an outer surface of the second cover, the outwardlyprojecting handle including a shoulder that contacts a seat grooveformed on a side of the first cover when the second cover rises to thehighest level.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle isconfigured to rotate together with the outlet upon rotation of theoutlet.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein a rotation hole is definedin a top face of the main body, and wherein the handle is configured torotate along an inner circumference of the rotation hole.
 17. The deviceof claim 16, wherein an edge of the main body defining the rotation holehas a vertical portion extending downward and a horizontal portionextending inward from a bottom of the vertical portion.
 18. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the device further comprises: a rotatable bracketsecured to the handle, wherein the rotatable bracket rotates along thehorizontal portion while bearing against a top and a bottom of thehorizontal portion.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the rotatablebracket has a rotation guide rib protruding outward from a face of therotatable bracket facing at least one of the horizontal portion or thevertical portion, and wherein the rotatable bracket linearly contactsthe horizontal portion or the vertical portion via the rib.